AI can’t compete with the likes of Taylor Swift

There’s a lot of noise from musicians about the threat of artificial intelligence, and Neil Tennant presents a useful counterpoint (AI songwriting is not a sin, says Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, 16 May).

AI is a threat to musicians, but principally to the “factory” approach of turning out endless derivative pop. AI can, of course, generate yet another samey‑sounding song and could replace any future Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory. It will not be able to replace original work.

No AI is going to turn out unique lyrics such as “Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism” (Taylor Swift’s Anti‑Hero) for the simple reason that AI relies on guessing what a likely lyric would be.

Until lots of people start using “narcissism” in their lyrics, it will be absent from AI-generated songs. Talented musicians should welcome AI as it will make their unique songwriting skills stand out and have greater value.
Neil Babbage
Colchester

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